…Tinubu Defends Reforms, Says Nigeria on Path to Recovery
….NWC Emerges by Consensus as Party Signals Readiness for 2027 Polls
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its 8th National Convention with the emergence of a new National Working Committee (NWC), reaffirming Nentawe Yilwatda as the party’s National Chairman through a consensus arrangement.
The high-profile convention, held at Eagle Square, brought together over 8,000 delegates alongside top government officials, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as governors, lawmakers, and party stakeholders.
Alongside Yilwatda’s return, Surajudeen Basiru emerged as National Secretary, while Felix Morka retained his role as National Publicity Secretary. Dayo Israel also secured another term as the party’s Youth Leader.
The Convention Election Committee formally announced the NWC members during the party’s 4th Elective National Convention, with delegates ratifying the leadership through consensus—an approach that underscored internal unity within the ruling party.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda described his re-election as a renewed call to service, pledging commitment to party growth and national development.
He assured members that the new leadership would not “fail or falter” in delivering on its mandate.
President Tinubu, addressing the gathering, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory, acknowledging the challenges while defending ongoing reforms. He stated that difficult policy decisions were necessary to reposition the nation for long-term growth.
According to the President, investor confidence has improved significantly, citing renewed foreign interest in the oil and gas sector and a heavily oversubscribed Eurobond issuance. He also noted Nigeria’s exit from the global financial “grey list” as a sign of restored credibility.
Tinubu further assured Nigerians that efforts were underway to address persistent electricity challenges, highlighting policy initiatives such as the Grid Asset Management Company as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the power sector and boosting industrialisation.
He also paid tribute to Nigerian youths, describing them as central to the country’s future and a driving force for national renewal.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, commended the administration’s reform agenda, describing it as a foundation for long-term economic stability and prosperity.
He emphasised that effective leadership requires foresight and the ability to prepare for the future.
Similarly, Minister of Finance Wale Edun highlighted improvements in key economic indicators, noting that growth has risen from about 2 percent to approximately 4 percent annually, reflecting early gains from policy reforms.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, expressed confidence in the APC’s political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring the party as “number one” in terms of popularity and readiness.
Masari also echoed calls for accountability across all levels of government, urging stakeholders, including the media, to properly assign responsibility for governance challenges rather than placing all burdens on the federal leadership.
The convention marks a significant moment for the APC as it consolidates its leadership structure and sets the tone for future political contests, with a renewed focus on unity, governance reforms, and electoral preparedness.
